When Is the Best Time
The area is open year-round, and the entrance is free of charge. For a look inside of a windmill to see how families lived centuries ago and to learn more about running a windmill please note the opening hours for the museum and the interpretive center:
- Peak season: April to October from 9 am – 5.30 pm.
- Off-season: November to March from 11 am – 4 pm.
The UNESCO World Heritage site is a very popular sight and a must when visiting Holland, the Netherlands, and Amsterdam. Either go early in the day before the tour buses arrive or visit the windmills after 4 pm during the peak season. Limited parking is the other reason when traveling by car. The busiest time of the year is the tulip season in April when tour buses combine Keukenhof with Kinderdijk.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
Kinderdijk is famous for the 19 windmills located 15 km southeast of Rotterdam. It is the largest concentration of windmills in the world. It’s interesting to see the water management; how the Dutch have kept the rivers at bay for centuries with these windmills. Nowadays it gets done by automated water pumps. Like many places in the Netherlands, the dike is below sea level, Kinderdijk 4 m below river Rhine and of course, water does not flow upward.
Explore the area by foot, bike (rental) or boat canal tour. The windmills are in very good conditions, some are private, and one can be visited, which is an awesome experience. Walk through the furnished windmill to all floors and get a glimpse of life hundreds of years ago.
- More information and get a discount of 1,50 € for each person when booking online.
- Limited parking, fee 5 €. There is a huge car park for free in the village.
- The area is exposed and obviously, it can get windy and cold. Bring a windproof jacket.
- If you are into photography check the weather forecast a day before.
- Even in the winter or, especially during this season, it's a marvellous day out without any tourists around.
These pictures were taken by my wonderful brother René
